Q1: Strengthened profitability and increased sales in all segments
Rusta strengthened profitability and increased sales in all segments during the first quarter 2024/25, May to July. Net sales increased by 3.7 percent (11.5) compared to the same quarter last year and amounted to MSEK 3,069 (2,959). As for previous quarters, Rusta continued its efforts to strengthen profitability and has improved the gross margin to 43.8 percent (42.7), an increase of 1.1 percentage points compared to the first quarter last year.
Summary of the first quarter 2024/2025:
- Net sales increased by 3.7% (11.5) and amounted to MSEK 3,069 (2,959)
- LFL growth increased by 0.5% (6.5)
- Gross profit increased by 6.2% and amounted to MSEK 1,343 (1,265) and the gross margin was 43.8% (42.7)
- EBITA increased by 17.6% and amounted to 351 MSEK (298) and the EBITA-margin was 11.4% (10.1)
- Operating profit (EBIT) amounted to MSEK 351 (296) and the operating profit margin was 11.4% (10.0)
- Net profit for the quarter amounted to MSEK 231 (189)
- Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter amounted to MSEK 606 (764)
- One (one) new store opened during the quarter
- Rusta reached an agreement with Tietoevry, which had a positive impact on the results, though not materially
Göran Westerberg, CEO of Rusta, comments on the quarter:
"During the first quarter, Rusta achieved continued sales growth and strengthened profitability in all segments, despite a challenging market with cautious customers. Through effective cost control and increased productivity throughout the value chain, we have improved the gross margin, which has resulted in increased profits for the quarter. At the same time, the number of new members in our loyalty program is sharply increasing. This is proof of the fundamental strength of Rusta’s concept, where our distinct low-price position continues to attract new customers during the economic downturn. A great customer base to build on when the economy turns."
Presentation of the report
Rusta presents the interim report for the first quarter of 2024/2025 via webcast and teleconference today, Thursday September 12, at 9:00 am CEST. The report will be presented by Göran Westerberg, CEO of Rusta, and CFO Sofie Malmunger. The presentation will be held in English.
Link to webcast participation (no advance notification is necessary): https://ir.financialhearings.com/rusta-q1-report-2024/register
Registration to participate via telephone: https://conference.financialhearings.com/teleconference/?id=5007939
After registration you will be provided a phone number and a conference ID to access the conference. You can ask questions verbally via the teleconference.
For further information, please contact:
Cecilia Gärdestad, Corporate PR and Investor Relations
Phone: +46 (0)70 166 48 73
E-mail: cecilia.gardestad@rusta.com
investors.rusta.com
About Rusta
Rusta is a leading retailer in the Nordic low-price market with over 210 stores in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Germany. The physical stores are supplemented by Rusta’s online sales channel, Rusta Online, in Sweden and Finland. Rusta offers a wide but carefully selected range of home and leisure products, with good quality at low prices. Rusta has more than 4,800 employees with headquarter in Upplands Väsby, Sweden. Rusta’s shares are traded on Nasdaq Stockholm (RUSTA). investors.rusta.com